HIVE INSPECTIONS HELP
By: Chari Elam
I can’t tell you how many seasoned beekeepers I’ve talked to who whisper quietly so no one else will hear:
“I get into my hives, and it never looks like it’s supposed to. As I look, I get confused about what I’m seeing—and what to do with it!”
Does that sound like you? C’mon… admit it! We’ve all been there.
But here’s the good news: You WILL get it!
It just takes a bit of practice.
Let me simplify the hive inspection process by first explaining what inspections are—and when to do them.
There Are Two Types of Hive Inspections:
1) Hive Check (Bi-weekly, except during winter—then monthly)
You only pull a few frames to verify that the queen is laying and that the hive has the necessary resources (honey/nectar/pollen) for that time of year.
Note: If you discover an issue during a hive check, it should become a full hive inspection so the problem can be addressed.
2) Hive Inspection (Seasonal: February – Spring buildup, May – before supering, August – during dearth stress, November – before overwintering)
This involves pulling most of the frames and inspecting each thoroughly. It may include:
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Requeening and/or making splits
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Performing a Varroa mite test (and treatment, if needed)
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Making space adjustments
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Manipulating frames (equalizing between boxes)
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Correcting any issues found
Whether You're Doing a Quick Hive Check or a Full-On “Hive Dive,” Look for These:
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Overall population
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Number of frames with brood
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Presence of eggs & larvae (indicates queen is present and laying)
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Honey/stores (decide if feeding is necessary)
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Pollen presence (decide if supplementation is needed)
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Well-fed brood (wet, milky liquid around larvae)
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Space – too little or too much?
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Brood diseases or Varroa mite evidence
Helpful Tips:
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Run 9 frames in a 10-frame box—it makes inspections easier.
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Remove one outer (honey) frame before starting your inspection.
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Only take out one frame at a time, beginning with the one closest to you.
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Quickly scan for the queen. If she’s there, inspect the frame carefully to avoid damaging her.
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As you work through the hive, look for brood, stores, pests, and diseases.
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If you find any issues (e.g., poor brood pattern, suspicious spots), take a quick photo and note which frame it was on. This becomes your homework!
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Work your most aggressive hive last.
Most Important Thing to Remember:
If you see something wrong, research the solution.
If you're unsure, contact us! Photos are a great help—after all, a picture is worth a thousand words. Same holds true in beekeeping!
Managing Space: The Most Overlooked Factor
When to Adjust Space:
Growth Season (Feb – July):
If 80% of the hive is full, add a box or split. Not doing so may lead to swarming.
Note: Avoid adding boxes after the nectar flow (post-July) unless you're feeding heavily.
Dormant Season (Aug – Jan):
Too much space can invite pests like small hive beetles or wax moths. Weak colonies may also become targets for robbing.
Condition Considerations:
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A queenless hive may not have enough bees to defend the space.
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Heavy Varroa infestations can reduce population.
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Lack of nutrition = weakened or starving bees.
The Average Seasonal Hive:
Early Spring (Late Feb – April):
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Low honey stores from overwintering
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Some nectar/pollen (often supplemented)
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Population increasing—should be football-sized
Late Spring to Early Summer (May – July):
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Honey stores re-established
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Plenty of nectar and pollen
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Population near peak—basketball-sized
Late Summer to Early Fall (Aug – Sept):
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Stores may be low due to dearth—supplements needed
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Brood nest reduces—about cantaloupe-sized
Late Fall to Early Winter (Oct – Nov):
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Stores rebuilt—30–40 lbs. (3–4 frames) in upper deep
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Little pollen stored
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Brood is scarce, population is stable
Winter (Nov – mid-Jan):
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Bees cluster and live off stored honey
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No brood (depending on location)
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Population declines naturally as bees age out
I created a Hive Inspection Sheet years ago that many found helpful as they learned the ropes. Feel free to print and use as many copies as you’d like!
Final Note:
It’s so important to manage your bees with the seasons in mind—take action when the indicators say it’s time, and stay on top of inspections.